10 Tips to Survive Your Freshman Year As A College Athlete

Wednesday, Sep 13

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1. "FRESHMEN, GET THE CONES!"

You are going to be asked to collect the cones, do the team laundry, grab the ball bag, bring out the water cooler, and a million other things from the upper-classmen.

TIP: Don't take it the wrong way, we've all been there! Plus, you are only a freshman for ONE YEAR. If the upperclassmen are not being respectful and sound like they are "barking orders" at you, then tell them how you feel!

2. YOU ARE GOING TO EAT, SLEEP AND DREAM SOCCER.

This is true; sometimes ALL at the same time. Some may LOVE this and others may feel very overwhelmed. Listen up, that is normal!

TIP: Embrace the student athlete lifestyle. You are SO #blessed to be representing your college or university by playing the sport that you love. Don't see it as a negative..and believe it or not, this will make you a better student! #PRIORITIES

3. YOU'RE GOING TO FALL ASLEEP, A LOT.

Get ready to yearn for naps, all day ERRRRYYY day. Napping may even happen without your consent... For example; post practice while you're trying to pay attention in English Literature 101.

TIP: Have something soft to catch your head because chances are you'll probably be in class. If your teacher scolds you, tell her that you struggle from narcolepsy. Just kidding don't do that.

4. YOU'RE CONSTANTLY HUNGRY.

You are extremely active as a student-athlete. Therefore you are hungry in the morning, late morning, early lunch time, lunch time, post lunch time, pre dinner, dinner time and post dinner time. You are hungry, even immediately after you have just eaten a meal.

TIP: Eat slower so that your brain can process when you are finally full..if not, bring a backpack to the cafe to stock up on snacks. No one likes to be around a HANGRY soccer girl!

5. YOU'RE GOING TO BE COVERED IN ICE-PACKS.

Waddling to the cafeteria with ice packed knees and ankles will become the norm. You may even need to ice our groin, but don't wear gray sweatpants -- the ice will melt and it'll look like you peed yourself a little (a LOTTLE).

TIP: If it DOES start to leak everywhere, blame the poor ice bag job on the teammate sitting next to you in class. If that doesn't work, ask your teacher if you can be excused early (LOL)

6. YOU ARE GOING TO BE CARRYING THE WORLD ON YOUR BACK.

We're not just saying this, but get your back and shoulders ready to carry some serious backpack weight.

TIP: Get a back pack with strong straps. Make sure that you wear the backpack evenly on both shoulders, you do not want to have shoulder problems, like one shoulder dipping lower than the other. Also, try and pack as lightly as you can.

7. YOU ARE GOING TO SPEND 95% OF YOUR TIME IN SWEATS AND SNEAKS.

You can buy the adorable flats, slip-ons, boots and heels that you want. But chances are, the only thing you'll be wearing are your Nikes and your futbol boots.

TIP : Spend your limited $ on the necessities like cool sneaks and sandal slip-ons for post-practice comfort. You'll get WAY more use out of them!

8. YOUR COACH IS GOING TO GET ANGRY AFTER AN OVERTIME LOSS.

Don't take it personally. If you think it's frustrating for you and your teammates; think about how frustrated coach must feel because he couldn't physically be on the field to help.

TIP: Wait patiently until he cools down to ask for pizza on the bus ride home.

9. YOUR WORKOUTS ARE GOING TO BE HARD.

As in, "not sure how I'm going to get through this next hour" hard. Being a student-athlete comes with having a strong and motivated mentality. Tell yourself, "YOU CAN DO THIS". Not, "I CAN'T DO THIS".

TIP: Do NOT eat Chipotle or Shake Shack beforehand. Seriously.

10. IT'S GOING TO BE AN AMAZING, DIFFICULT, FUN, WILD & TIRING YEAR.

We promise, every second will be worth it. You are going to surprise yourself with how strong you are and how much you can improve when you keep a positive mentality.

TIP: YOU. GOT. THIS.

ALL JOKES ASIDE

Us SoccerGrlProbs ladies have gone through the collegiate ahtlete experience. We know the SECRETS to success, TIPS & TRICKS that you do NOT want to miss out on. That is why we created our SOCCERGRLPROBS COLLEGE SOCCER SURVIVAL GUIDE! Check it out today!

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